Associate Director, Congress & Medical Education Strategy & Execution - Rare Disease

Associate Director, Congress and Medical Education Strategy & Execution

The Associate Director, Congress and Medical Education Strategy & Execution is responsible for executing and contributing to the global medical strategy and tactical implementation for congresses and medical education, and supporting Otsuka's non-promotional scientific communication initiatives across the diverse Rare Disease portfolio. This role leads scientific engagement through impactful congress planning & execution, educational programs, and evidence-based content that support Otsuka's mission to improve patient outcomes through deep scientific understanding and collaborative partnerships. The Associate Director partners closely with global and regional cross-functional stakeholders including Global Medical Affairs, Clinical Development, Global Integrated Evidence & Innovation (GIE&I) and Commercial, to ensure scientific alignment, operational excellence and consistency in Otsuka's external scientific exchange.

Key Responsibilities Include :

• Congress Strategy and Execution : Manage execution and contribute to the development of comprehensive multi-year medical congress strategy for the relevant therapeutic area aligned with Otsuka's pipeline and product lifecycle stages (e.g., establishing and developing an emerging portfolio), including prioritization of key international and regional congresses, scientific communication objectives, symposia, booth presence, and internal / external engagement activities.
• Collaborate with Medical Strategy, Medical Communications, Field Medical and Medical Information to develop high-quality, scientifically rigorous presentation and materials; ensuring data dissemination plans are timely, consistent, and strategically aligned.
• Support scientific communication planning across global and regional teams to ensure consistent, data-driven communication objectives across congress activities.
• Partner with Medical Communications to coordinate Otsuka's scientific presence at congresses, including : Abstract submissions and poster presentations, Oral presentations and late-breaking sessions, Sponsored symposia and educational sessions, Medical booth design and operations, Press activities and medical engagement, Support planning and execution of engagement with external experts and stakeholders (e.g. KOLs, Patient Advocacy Groups) before during and after congresses, Organize and facilitate investigator meetings and advisory boards in conjunction with congress, Coordinate opportunities for scientific exchange between Otsuka Medical Affairs personnel and external experts and stakeholders, Manage end-to-end aspects of congress planning activities and post-congress insight generation to maximize impact and inform future strategies, Implement innovative digital strategies to extend congress reach and engagement, including virtual and hybrid congress solutions.
• Establish KPIs for congress activities and implement systems to track and analyze performance.
• Conduct post-congress analysis to assess impact and identify areas for improvement.
• Independent Medical Education (IME) : Develop and implement the global medical education strategy for relevant therapeutic area in alignment with medical and objectives and strategy.
• Oversee the development of scientific exchange platforms, independent medical education (IME) initiatives to elevate disease and product knowledge globally.
• Partner with regional and local teams to ensure educational programs address unmet needs and comply with regional regulations and global standards.
• Identify, evaluate, and partner with external experts, medical societies and educational providers to ensure high-quality, unbiased scientific content delivery.
• Monitor educational impact through KPIs, metrics and insights.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration : Act as a key contributor and subject matter expert for the relevant therapeutic area medical education and congress activities.
• Collaborate with Medical Affairs, Clinical Development, Global Integrated Evidence & Innovation (GIE&I), Regulatory, and Commercial teams to ensure scientific alignment and appropriate integration of new evidence into educational content.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to team members and vendors to ensure high standards of scientific integrity, external experts and stakeholder (e.g., KOL) experience and operational excellence.
• Create and manage congress budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and ROI and ensure compliant use of medical education and congress funding.
• Represent Global Medical Affairs in governance forums and cross-functional planning meetings.
• Ensure all congress and medical education activities comply with global and local regulatory requirements, Otsuka policies, data publication embargos and industry codes.
• Proactively identify and mitigate risks related to scientific exchange and external engagements based on Global Medical Affairs policies and SOPs.
• Consider technology and AI to support workflow improvement.

Qualifications

Education and Experience : Advanced scientific or medical degree (PharmD, PhD, MD, or equivalent) preferred. Extensive experience working within relevant therapeutic area, including engagement with specialized HCPs and evidence generation strategies. Additional business or communications training (MBA, MPH, etc.) preferred. 12+ years of experience in Medical Affairs; ~5 years focused on congress strategy and execution is preferred. Proven success managing matrixed & cross-functional global teams and external vendors. Demonstrated experience leading global congress strategy, IME programs, or scientific engagement. Proven track record of successful congress planning and implementation on a global scale including implementation of digital and virtual congress solutions. In-depth understanding of industry compliance, regulatory frameworks, and ethical considerations for scientific engagement.

Skills and Competencies : Strategic and analytical thinker with the ability to translate complex science for a variety of audiences and anticipate trends and shape proactive congress and educational strategies. Excellent project management, communication (written and verbal), and stakeholder engagement skills. Collaborative and communicative, with ability excel at building and maintaining relationships with external stakeholders and experts (e.g. KOLs, scientific). Financial acumen and experience managing large program budget. Ability to influence across matrixed teams and drive strategic initiatives.

Competencies : Accountability for Results - Stay focused on key strategic objectives, be accountable for high standards of performance, and take an active role in leading change. Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving - Make decisions considering the long-term impact to customers, patients, employees, and the business. Patient & Customer Centricity - Maintain an ongoing focus on the needs of our customers and / or key stakeholders. Impactful Communication - Communicate with logic, clarity, and respect. Influence at all levels to achieve the best results for Otsuka. Respectful Collaboration - Seek and value others' perspectives and strive for diverse partnerships to enhance work toward common goals. Empowered Development - Play an active role in professional development as a business imperative.

Minimum $164,530.00 - Maximum $245,985.00, plus incentive opportunity : The range shown represents a typical pay range or starting pay for individuals who are hired in the role to perform in the United States. Other elements may be used to determine actual pay such as the candidate's job experience, specific skills, and comparison to internal incumbents currently in role. Typically, actual pay will be positioned within the established range, rather than at its minimum or maximum. This information is provided to applicants in accordance with states and local laws.

Application Deadline : This will be posted for a minimum of 5 business days.

Company benefits : Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, company provided basic life, accidental death & dismemberment, short-term and long-term disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance, a generous 401(k) match, flexible time off, paid holidays, and paid leave programs as well as other company provided benefits.